Summer is officially in full swing! Whether you are catching a free outdoor movie, finding a new playground, checking off items on your summer bucket list or attending some beautiful fireworks, July promises to be full of summertime fun!

Check out our monthly events guide, brought to you by Goldfish Swim School, to get some great ideas for Boston family fun this July!

In addition to this guide, our calendar has daily events listed to keep you active and entertained this month!

We’ve also included links to area libraries and recurring events. We know this is not a comprehensive list, so if you think of any fun family activities we missed, please share them with us in the comments.

If you are looking to connect with other moms near you, make sure to join our Community & Conversation Group!

July 1 :: Natick Children’s Parade :: Natick

Decorate your bike, wagon, or carriage, and join in on a festive parade around Natick Common! The concert on the Common begins after the parade, so stick around for prizes, music, and a full evening of family fun!

July 1 :: Animal Affair :: Franklin

Snuggle with some new furry and feathered friends when the Animal Affair Traveling Petting Zoo visits the Franklin Public Library! Learn how to hold and handle ducks, chickens, goats, pigs, and rabbits. All participants will have the opportunity to pet, brush, feed, hold, and play with the animals. This event runs from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

July 1 :: Beanpot Invitational Drum & Bugle Corps Competition :: Lynn

This amazing musical performance features a competition between seven bands from across the country. Enjoy the amazing costumes, and marvel at the precision and artistry of these choreographed drum and bugle corp routines!

July 1 :: Beginner Ukulele Kids Workshop :: Plainville

If you have always wanted to learn to play an instrument, this is the perfect event for you! Kids are invited to bring their own ukulele and learn the basic chords, rhythms, and strums needed to make beautiful music in this exciting six-week workshop. No prior musical experience is necessary.

July 5–6 :: 7th Boston JerkFest and Wine & Brew Tasting- Caribbean Foodie Festival :: Boston

Boston’s hottest festival is back for a fantastic two-day event! Come taste Jamaican jerk hot spiced BBQ food, and support several Boston area nonprofits. There will also be a kids zone with interactive arts and crafts and activities for children of all ages, as well as arts and craft vendors.

July 7 :: Pilgrim Breakfast :: Plymouth

Take part in this 86-year-old tradition! Enjoy a breakfast of fishcakes, scrambled eggs, baked beans, cornbread, and muffins — all served by charming volunteers in Pilgrim costumes. Entertainment includes historic house tours, hands-on crafts, and period music.

July 8 :: Bubbles and Books at the Hammond Castle Museum :: Gloucester

Head on over to the beautiful Hammond Castle for story time, followed by a bubble party on the back lawn! Stories begin at 10 a.m., and children are invited to bring a blanket to cuddle with as they enjoy some classic prince and princess stories!

July 10 :: Touch-a-Truck :: Wrentham

Do you love trucks? Then this is the event for you! Enjoy a fun story about trucks at 10 a.m., and then touch and climb on trucks from the Wrentham DPW in the library parking lot! This program is free, but canned-good donations will be gratefully accepted for the Wrentham Food Pantry. Sign up at the circulation desk in the Fiske Public Library.

July 14 :: Microcar Classic :: Brookline

Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside a teeny, tiny car? In this unique and memorable event at the Lars Anderson Auto Museum, you will find out! This family-friendly car show is certainly one that everyone can enjoy! Kids will even get the chance to ride in fun cars like Fiats, Messerschmitts, Crosleys, and many others.

July 15 :: Star Wars-Inspired Living Literature Adventure Game :: Westford

Star Wars fans will not want to miss this event! Channel your inner galactic warrior with the Mastermind Resistance Fighters to fight the forces of evil! Participants will learn to use a Stun Saber, enjoy Force Dueling and play Jedi Dodge Ball! RSVP to Katelyn Bennett at [email protected].

July 15 :: Kids Day at South Boston Farmers Market :: Boston

Come celebrate the annual Kids Day at the South Boston Farmers Market! Kids will enjoy free face painting, a balloon artist, crafts, and live music! Local nonprofits such as Greenovate Boston and UMass Extension will also be present with giveaways and games! Local vendors will be selling fresh produce from 12–6 p.m.

July 20 :: Pollination Station :: Mattapan

Come revel in the magic of butterflies at the Mass Audubon Nature Center. Families will create a butterfly to take home, and perhaps even catch a few live butterflies to observe. This program includes a walk around the nature center to learn how to identify butterflies as well as see them in their natural habitats.

July 20 :: Roxbury Rocks Music Festival :: Roxbury

This fun-filled, free neighborhood festival runs from 12–4 p.m., and includes live musical performances by talented local musicians, free activities for children, free snacks and ice cream, and crafts by local vendors.

July 21 :: Jimmy Fund 5K and Fun Run :: Boston

Choose between a 5K run or a half-mile fun run to benefit cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Center. The post-race party features complimentary food from Papa Gino’s.

July 22 :: Amazing Animal Ambassadors :: Brewster

Come hang out with Cali the talking sulfur-crested cockatoo, Milo the fennec fox, Shelly, an African sulcata tortoise, Jabba, a giant African bullfrog, and Bailey the African pygmy hedgehog! An amazing array of smaller reptiles and insects will also be along for the trip as Amazing Animal Adventures visits the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.

July 22–24 :: Circus Smirkus Presents Carnival :: Marshfield

Come one, come all — the circus is here! In this carnival-themed production, you will see troupers run for their lives through the haunted mansion, try their luck at the ring toss, balance their way through the house of fun, and discover romance in the tunnel of love!

This year’s troupe is comprised of 30 hardworking and talented teenagers ages 11-18 who come from across the United States and Canada!

July 23 :: Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour :: Boston

Everyone’s favorite tween sensation is taking the Agganis Arena by storm! Grab your favorite hair bow and join in on the musical adventure!

July 25 :: Young Audiences of Massachusetts :: Boston

Young Audiences of Massachusetts brings culture, dance, and music to Boston in shows that are exciting for all ages! Come watch, learn, and explore as Grooversity, a group known for their awe-inspiring, high-energy percussion performances, brings their musical style and dancing from Bahia to Faneuil Hall! This fun performance begins at 10am!

July 28 :: Boston Donut Fest :: Boston

Head on down to Underground for the ultimate snack day — donuts from your favorite New England donut shops, as far as the eye can see! There will also be coffee to go with those delicious donuts, food and ice cream trucks, live entertainment, kids games and entertainment, and plenty of photo opportunities. Kids under the age of 8 get in free.

July 30 :: 2019 Fenway Challenge :: Boston

Calling all baseball lovers! The 2019 Out of the Park and Fenway Challenge Series, featuring the Red Sox Showcase, is coming to the M Street Field! Kids will have the chance to test their pitching accuracy, take swings in a batting cage, and attempt to steal a base. Come enjoy food and entertainment, a replica Green Monster wall, and meet Red Sox mascots Wally and Tessie!

July 31 :: ReadBoston Storymobile :: Dorchester

The ReadBoston StoryMobile makes a stop at the Grove Hall Branch of the Boston Public Library at 11:15 a.m.! Kids will love this fun storytelling event, and all children in attendance will receive a free book!

Little Farmer’s Mornings :: Red Horse Farm, Hanson :: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. (June–October)

Little ones up to 4 years old will learn about farm chores with horses, chickens, and goats! They will also enjoy a farm-related story or craft.

Storytime at Showcase Cinema de Lux :: Patriot Place, Foxborough :: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

This free weekly storytime takes place every Tuesday at Showcase Cinema de Lux. After a story reading, a special character makes a weekly appearance followed by a short movie.

Public Telescope Nights at New England Sci-Tech :: 16 Tech Circle, Natick :: Tuesdays and Fridays, 8–9 pm

The public is invited to join New England Sci-Tech for an evening of astronomy during the spring, summer, and fall months. Depending on staff availability, inside activities such as planetarium shows and visiting the astronomy classrooms may be available. Visitors are also invited to borrow smaller “starblast” telescopes to use on their own.

Recreation Sundays on Memorial Drive :: Memorial Drive, Cambridge :: Sundays, May–November

Every Sunday, from the last Sunday of April to the second Sunday of November, Memorial Drive is closed to traffic between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street — and open to recreation! Ride a bike or scooter, take a jog, or bring your baby on a leisurely stroll down this usually busy road while you enjoy the beautiful views of the Charles River!

Urban Air Sensory Friendly Jump/Play Time :: Bellingham :: Sundays, 9 a.m. 

This event is specifically designed for children with autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park and have a lot of fun without loud music and flashing lights! The lights will be white and music/video games turned off for those with sensory challenges during this time.

Baby-Friendly Monday Matinees at the Capitol Theatre :: Arlington :: Mondays, 12–2 p.m. 

The Capitol Theatre features a baby-friendly movie every Monday afternoon. Please check the theater’s Monday schedule to see what feature has been selected for parents and their infants. 

Kids’ Art Club :: Dorchester :: Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. 

This club has a new art project at the library every Tuesday. Projects include collage self-portraits and artist’s books. Art Club projects are showcased in rotating displays in the library children’s room.

Nature Time at Blue Hills Trailside Museum :: Milton :: Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m. 

Introduce your preschool-aged child to nature with this fun program. Programs may feature a story, nature games, crafts, short walks outside, or meeting one of the museum’s animal residents. Meet, play, and learn with other area families. Each program runs for 45 minutes and meets most Thursdays. Museum admission is included with this program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

JFN Free Friday Playgroup :: Natick :: Fridays, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Bring the little ones and come join other parents and caregivers in the Metrowest area for a fun-filled morning of play and socializing. There are plenty of songs, activities, toys, snacks, and laughter, as both the children and their grown-ups build connections and lasting friendships. 

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays :: Acton :: Fridays, 10–11 a.m. 

A great way for the whole family to enjoy time outdoors, the Forest Friday program is held outside, no matter the weather. Every Friday morning there is a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, either in Discovery Woods or out on the adjacent conservation land. All ages are welcome but activities are designed for 2- to 6-year-olds. Please note that the conservation land trails are not ADA or stroller accessible; please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Storytime at the Curious George Store :: Cambridge :: Fridays, 10:30–11 a.m. 

Small children and their caregivers are welcome at these weekly storytimes, running throughout the year. 

SaturPLAY :: Rose Kennedy Greenway – Chinatown :: Boston :: Select Saturdays, 1–3 p.m. 

The Asian Community Development Corporation’s youth program, A-VOYCE, hosts a placemaking event monthly to activate and bring children to The Greenway’s Mary Soo Hoo Park. Each month features a different theme with games, activities, crafts, and more. Youth volunteers are on hand to engage children. SaturPlay is subject to weather conditions.

ImprovBoston Family Show :: Cambridge :: Saturdays, 4–5 p.m.

Improv Boston’s improv and music extravaganza is completely made up on the spot every week based on your suggestion. No two shows are alike! Best of all, children who want to participate have opportunities to be on stage and take part in the fun! The show is ideal for family outings, birthday parties, and school field trips. It’s fun for the whole family and best for children ages 4-12.

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Deanna Greenstein
Deanna is a mom of five (yes, five) children, who lives in Brockton with her small circus of kids, her husband, their dog Penny, and a few cats. Her life is loud, energetic, mostly fun, often gross (did she mention four of those kids are boys?), and she wouldn't have it any other way. In between carting kids to school, baseball, gymnastics, guitar, dance, track and field and every other kid activity known to mankind, she works as a school bus driver for the city of Brockton, and is the Director of Religious Education at the Unity Church of North Easton, a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Deanna also holds degrees in Elementary Physical Education and Dance Education, which she plans to put back into use one day. At parties, Deanna can often be found hanging out with family pets. She follows her children around with a camera like the paparazzi, is pretty sure that 97% of her blood stream is made of coffee, and her laundry is never done. You can also find her blogging at https://eighteenmoreyearsofburpsandfarts.wordpress.com